Lidl is doubling down on its security measures by bringing in a new VAR checkout technology after Tesco debuted the new security technology, as there is rising retail crime in the UK.

A report from The Independent revealed that Lidl is now using cameras at self-checkout points in London to record when items have not been scanned.

Afterward, there is a playback of the missed scan prior to the payment, which follows the same format as the football’s Video Assistant Referee technology (VAR).

The new development comes as retail crime has been rising across the UK, with Tesco deploying the similar technology in May.

Tesco introduced a camera recording system in May, which ended up sparking concerns from shoppers and received widespread social media criticism.

Subscribe to Grocery Gazette for free

Sign up here to get the latest grocery and food news each morning

Retail crime was up by 20% annually in 2024, with 515,971 shoplifting cases being recorded, which led to an estimated £2.2bn loss for retailers.

Tom Ironside, director of business and regulation at the British Retail Consortium commented: “Retail crime is continuing to spiral out of control.

“While retailers are spending £1.8bn on anti-crime measures, thieves are becoming bolder and more aggressive, resulting in an increase in violence and abuse against staff,” he said. “It is vital we see more police resources allocated to tackle this epidemic of crime.”

High street retailer Sainsbury’s also brought in an AI detection technology to improve its security across its store and fight retail crime.

The discounter has not officially confirmed the new updated security measures.